A laparoscopic approach was taken to remove Uno's abdominally retained testicle. An operating laparoscope was introduced into his abdomen and the retained testicle was located just behind the kidney between the urinary bladder and body wall (see picture).

The testicle was grasped with forceps and removed through an approximately 1cm abdominal incision.

Uno recovered well and went home later that afternoon. A subsequent follow-up phone call confirmed that Uno was back to his normal self the next day and seemed comfortable.

Discussion:

Cryptorchidism is quite common in both dogs and cats and generally does not pose a problem long term as long as the retained testicle is found and removed. Traditionally a full abdominal incision is required to allow access and proper visualization of the retained testicle. Laparoscopy allows us to identify and remove the testicle(s) much more easily through a significantly smaller abdominal incision. As a result, the animal is less painful post operatively and recovers much more quickly.